J Miller

OK, when I know something, know it works, know how it works ... I know it and am glad to help others that are learning.

Right now I'm try to find a thread that is heavy, strong, durable, and will function in all my machines to piece my denim quilt with. I do not trust the thin lightweight Gutermann thread, nor the C&C Dual Duty All Purpose thread, nor the C&C light weight machine quilting thread. It breaks too easy.
My first quilt cover I made from my #1 treadle was made with the Gutermann and C&C machine quilting thread and it's coming apart already in less than a year. That is UNacceptable.

I've also found that I cannot use the C&C Dual Duty XP HEAVY thread in all my machines because it causes tension problems and birds nests. We've got some thread called American that is heavy and supposed to be machine quilting thread, but it's like sewing with spring wire. I just had some lock my White Dressmaster up tight. Looks like I'll have to take the bobbin drive out to clear the jam.

So, what can I use that is strong, durable, will function through all my machines, will not break, will last for a long long time ~AND~ that I don't have to rely on the internet to get. I want to be able to get it locally if at all possible.

Help ....... Joey's about to pull his hair out. He hates frustrations.

.................................................. ..........................................


We have some Molnlycke thread in the 300 yd rolls. These rolls are smaller than the 150 yard rolls most threads come in and seems to be a good solid thread.
Has anyone here used it?
Where do you get it?
What do you think of it?



Joe

momto5

I haven't used that particular thread, but: I use C&C to piece with, A LOT. No problems. I use Superior threads to quilt with but mostly because I use it on my LA. I have quilted with C&C in the past and been very happy with it, but then I haven't (that I know of) used the new re-formulated threads. I still use a lot of thread that my Mom had bought over a 50 year sewing career and they seem to be still (for the most part) holding up.
Maybe if you try a 50/3 poly or (?) poly-wrapped cotton it would work for you.

gollytwo

try http://www.superiorthreads.com
Bob Purcell could tell you local shops that carry his threads

He also has a neat chart on using his threads

ranbro

Superior threads or YLI. I really like superior threads. Thin but STRONG.

amyjo

I always double sew my seams so they don't come apart for that very reason. start at top go down flip it and start from the bottom to go up. never had any come apart yet. course you need to make sure you never make a mistake, because it is a B to take that apart to correct the mistake. I use the thread from Joamm's and I also got thread from Connecting Threads. My DH also bought a big box that was full of cones in different colors at an auction sale. no name on it for a brand.

path49

Molnlycke thread isn't made anymore. I think I read that it was bought out by C&C several years ago...& then discontinued. You can still find it on ebay once in a while.

I can't understand why all purpose thread or machine quilting thread isn't holding up for you. The heavy thread you were using should never have to be used for piecing or garment sewing...except maybe for sewing a button on in a high stress area. I've made heavy denim jeans & work clothes that took a LOT of punishment with all brands of all purpose thread (cotton and/or poly...even the cheap Walmart brand) & the stitching has held up longer than the fabric.

J Miller

Perhaps the quilted cover that's coming apart is not so much a victim of bad thread as it is of the novice sewist that made it. It was the first thing I made and the first thing I made on my #1 treadle machine. I had trouble running the machine, I had trouble with the the tension, and I needed both feet and four hands to do what I needed to do. So in retrospect it's probably my lousy work that is causing the thread to break.

To the problem that instigated this thread. I like to use heavy thread such as the C&C Dual Duty XP HEAVY for heavy things such as a denim quilt. Those things are very heavy and I just don't want my seams to give way.
Like others I guess I believe in over kill.
So I've been using the C&C HEAVY thread and having troubles with it. Tension problems and birds nests.
I "think" I might have it figured out. I was using a size 14 needle. C&C says to use a 16 to 18 needle with that thread.
So, next time I set up to do some piecing I'll stick a 16 in it and go from there.

Joe

J Miller

Joey is sometimes as dumb as a cow pie.

I read in the C&C thread guide to use 16 or 18 needles with the Heavy thread. Well, the thread that caused me trouble is at least that heavy and like I said I was using a 14 needle. Today I tried the same machine, with the same bobbin, and the same thread, only with a 16 needle and it worked nicely.

DUH .... where's my sign.

Joe

Dottie Bug

I know that c&c makes a denim thread to sew denim use for hems and repairs, should work for peicing, or serge them , or zig zag Dottie Bug

jojo47

Hey, Joe...Life and quilting is an ongoing learning process. Thank YOU for sharing what you learned and for sharing with all of us!